I've been secretly coveting the beautiful folding bikes I've seen around town. As I was looking into purchasing a true hybrid, I came across a dealer who had previously been a Bike Friday dealer and had three "floor models" for sale. I took one of the Tikits for a ride and feel in love with the quick fold bike. Unfortunately, it was way too big for me so I knew if I travelled down this road, I'd be looking at buying through Bike Friday directly. Before I had a chance to go through that process, I test drove a Brompton six speed. I LOVED IT and the LBS that sold them. The owner is acerbic but his humor is right up my alley. It was the first time I was on a bike and KNEW it was was the right one.
Last year, I bought matching Jamis Coda Sports for myself and my daughter. Little did I know that my daughter would have a growth spurt and immediately outgrow her bike. I am passing down my Jamis to her and selling her bike, as no one in the household fits her bike. (That is my rationalization for buying the hybrid.)
I still plan on buying something to fill in the gap in my fleet but I'm not sure I'll be riding anything but the Brompton for awhile. What an amazing bike.![]()